Bills to open Matt Milano’s practice window

Bill’s head coach Sean McDermott said the team plans to open the 21-day practice window at linebacker Matt Milano to return from injured reserve.

However, Milano will not play in Buffalo’s crucial Week 11 matchup with the undefeated Chiefs.

Milano tore his bicep during training campforcing him onto IR in August and raising concerns about the 30-year-old’s ability to play this season. The Bills remained optimistic about his recovery and will now give their veteran linebacker a chance to prove his health in practice. He has three weeks to move up before having to be activated to the 53-man roster or return to season-ending injured reserve.

Milano’s torn biceps was his second major injury in the past two seasons. He broke his leg in October 2023, ending his season after just five games. The Bills have struggled to cover the middle of the field in his absence, a problem that has continued this year with Milano on injured reserve.

Like last year, Buffalo relied on several young linebackers to fill Milano’s role. 2023 third-rounder Dorien Williams has started all 10 of the Bills’ games and leads the defense with 93 tackles. Terrel Bernard started all 17 games last season, but missed three games this year due to a chest injury. Third-year linebacker Baylon Spector took Bernard’s place for the first three starts of his career.

Despite Milano’s absence, the Bills are still a top-10 scoring defense allowing just 19.3 points per game. Although the 2022 All-Pro won’t play against the Chiefs in Week 11, his successful return to the field could give Buffalo a major boost as they battle for the AFC East crown and an elusive Super Bowl appearance.